Xi Xian Cao (豨莶草) — Sticky Nightshade
Xi Xian Cao is a cold, moistening Chinese herb for Wind-Damp Bi with Heat — the pattern behind hot rheumatoid-type joint pain. It also has hypotensive activity and is used in modern practice for Liver Yang hypertension.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Xi Xian Cao (豨莶草) — Sticky Nightshade (Siegesbeckia orientalis) — is a Chinese herb in the Dispel Wind-Damp Bi category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Xi Xian Cao |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 豨莶草 |
| Latin name | Siegesbeckia orientalis |
| English name | Sticky Nightshade |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Dispel Wind-Damp Bi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp
- Frees the collaterals
- Clears Heat and reduces blood pressure
Indications
- Wind-Damp Bi with Heat
- Post-stroke hemiplegia
- Hypertension with Liver Yang
- Skin lesions with Heat and Wind
4. Dosage
9–15g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in Yin deficiency
- Not for cold-type Bi
6. Key formulas
Xi Xian Cao is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Xi Xian Cao where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
